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CR 66:113-123 (2015)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01338

Climatic trends in Puerto Rico: observed and projected since 1980

Mark R. Jury*,1,2

1Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez 00681, Puerto Rico, USA
2University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
*Corresponding author:

ABSTRACT: This study considers observed and CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5) projected climate trends in Puerto Rico, with a focus on change maps and time series since 1980. The Hadley circulation has accelerated and sinking motions have warmed the lower atmosphere faster (+0.03°C yr-1) than the underlying ocean (+0.01°C yr-1). Increased evaporation and northerly winds are generating upward trends in rainfall on the Atlantic side of Puerto Rico, while the Caribbean side is drying. Global warming appears to enhance shallow clouds and vegetation, and inhibit deep convection around the island. The impact on natural resources appears limited, but rising sea levels will necessitate pro-active coastal management.


KEY WORDS: Puerto Rico · Climate trends · Rainfall change


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Cite this article as: Jury MR (2015) Climatic trends in Puerto Rico: observed and projected since 1980. Clim Res 66:113-123. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01338

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